It was obvious that Hilditch was still in the mood for speech.
"I will tell you, Mr.Ledsam," he said, "why I am so happy to have you here this evening.

In the first place, I desire to tender you once more my thanks for your very brilliant efforts on my behalf.

The very fact that I am able to offer you hospitality at all is without a doubt due to these." "I only did what I was paid to do," Francis insisted, a little harshly.
"You must remember that these things come in the day's work with us." His host nodded.
"Naturally," he murmured.

"There was another reason, too, why I was anxious to meet you, Mr.Ledsam," he continued.

"You have gathered already that I am something of a crank.